Irregular Heartbeat

Heart attack and stroke are the two most common problems that affect our people today. In this day and age, you don’t have to be older than 40 to be affected. There are more young people in their teens and twenties who are experiencing this for one reason or another.

The next topic to be discussed is irregular heartbeat. Also called arrhythmia, this is not the same as heart rate. The normal heart rate in a person is anywhere between 50 and 100 beats per minute. If you are below 50 or above 100, there could be a problem. Don’t wait and think that it’s nothing. If you feel your heart is beating different, see your doctor as soon as possible. The causes of arrhythmia are not always the same, here are some things to lookout for:

Your electrolytes may be out of balance in your blood due to potassium and sodium being too low

Changes in the muscles of the heart

Problems after a heart attack

Having heart surgery

Discomfort in your chest

Shortness of breath

Fluttering of the heart

Feeling weak or tired

Heart skipping beats

Pounding in the chest

These are just a few of the things that can occur. Arrhythmia can be silent and not have symptoms, this can also occur in a person who has no heart problems at all. Remember Saints, the heart is the beat of your life and without it you can’t live. god gave us a heart for a reason and it’s up to us to take care of it. We are to be good stewards over God’s gift, our heart is a gift from God.

There are several types of arrhythmia. When the doctor tells you which one you have, do your homework and ask questions no matter how stupid you may think they sound. This is your life and if you want to stay heart healthy, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns. The tests for this that the doctor will order to detect the problem are:

Holter monitor

Electrocardiogram

Stress test

Cardiac catheterization

EKG/ECG

The doctor will choose the one that is right for you depending on how serious this may be. You want to make sure you receive the proper treatment. Whatever medications you are prescribed, read up on them, ask questions, and get all the information you need to calm you fears. This is an issue that if treated properly will allow you to live a blessed life for many years to come. It’s up to you!